Best Vlogging Camera Under 200 Dollars: Definitive Guide

If you want to start vlogging, but don’t have thousands of dollars to spare in buying a camera then this guide is what you need to read.

You see, you don’t necessarily have to spend over $ 500 to get a decent camera for vlogging. You can pick something up for something as low as $ 200. While these models may not be top brass, there are good enough to let you get the ball rolling.

Today, I’m going to give you a roundup of the 5 best vlogging cameras under 200 dollars. All of these models are exceptionally brilliant and come with almost all necessary functions to shoot you into stardom.

5 Best Vlogging Cameras under 200 Dollars

Shying just one dollar away from 200, this model from Canon comes on my list of best cameras under 200 dollars. While this model might not be as powerful as its higher-priced cousin, I dare say that it does a few things better. Not only is this camera lighter, but has impressive features to justify the price.

Product benefits

What are the features, you ask? Well, the highlight of this model is undoubtedly the 12x Optical Zoom that lets you take crazy close-up shots. The addition of Optical Image Stabilizer improves the flexibility of use even further by letting you zoom in without experiencing any jitters or effect of a shaky hand.

As a vlogger, I can bet that you’ll appreciate the 20.2-megapixel sensor that is complemented by DIGIC 4+ image processor. You’ll be able to take stunningly gorgeous videos even if your room’s lighting is not very bright. Even though this model doesn’t support manual focusing, features like 3.0 inch LCD and built-in Wi-Fi make it worth purchasing.

While I won’t go so far as to say that Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS should be perfect for every vlogger, I would say that this product is worth your precious dollars. Oh! Did I forget to mention this baby lets you record videos in 1080p?

Cons

Autofocus is missing

2. Fujifilm FinePix S8600 16 MP Digital Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD

Remember the brand Fujifilm that used to be so popular in the 90s? Well, apparently the company is making a comeback, and they are doing it big time. Fujifilm FinePix S8600 16 MP Digital Camera is one such example of the brand’s expertise that makes them one of my personal favorites.

Product benefits

If you’re satisfied with 720p videos at 30 FPS, then I believe that FinePix should be fine for your needs as a starting vlogger. This should be among your top cameras to consider under 200 dollars if you intend to do most of your recording at home. Just get a decent tripod, and you’ll be all good to go.

As far as the features are concerned, you get the quality of the recording and taking pictures with 16-megapixel ½.3 inch CCD sensor. It also comes with the patented FUJINON lens that supports up to 36x optical zoom, which should be beneficial for those who want to do long distance photography.

The picture quality in the zoomed state isn’t bad; it isn’t extraordinary either. The same goes for 3xAA alkaline batteries that should last you approximately for 250 shots. These numbers might not be impressive, but they are certainly something for cameras under $ 200.

Pros

Crisp and clear 720p video recording at a decent FPS

Zoom is surprisingly good even when maxed out

Autofocus time up to 0.4 second, which is quite impressive

Cons

Canon makes a comeback on the third spot of our best vlogging camera under 200 dollars list with yet another exciting model. With top of the line connectivity features and excellent video recording quality, this product is sure to impress whoever uses it. Hey, I know I am impressed! And I only had it with me for review purposes for just three weeks.

Product benefits

Leaving aside the authority Canon as a brand has in the photography industry, I can’t help but by the fact that the company is still focused on manufacturing such lower-priced cameras. I mean, they could easily charge 400-500 bucks for something like this and get away with it. But customers come first, and that’s the acknowledgment that keeps Canon on top.

This model has 20.0 megapixel CCD sensor with the same DIGIC 4+ image processor we talked about earlier in our guide. The result is flawless image quality that blows many higher end models out of the water. The 10x Optical Zoom and optical image stabilizer work in unison meticulously to give you the most flexibility and ease.

This model records videos at 720p HD, so it can be perfect for those who cannot afford the ELPH 360 HS just yet. Connectivity has also got a boost with this model as it claims to connect effortlessly with iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Smart AUTO is a feature that I liked very much and should be of great help to newbie vloggers.

Pros

Excellent quality of lens that ensure you get the best pictures

Record 720p HD videos on a jiffy and send them directly to your Android and iOS devices

Comes with a host of scene effects such as Toy Camera, Fisheye, Monochrome, etc

Cons

Some people have reported problems connecting with Apple devices

4. Canon PowerShot SX610 HS, Wi-Fi Enabled

Canon makes yet another entry into our best vlogging camera under 200 dollars list with an, even more, pocket-friendly product. I like this product because it fits all my needs into one portable and affordable package. This model shares many of the features that we discussed in the previous Canon models and much more. Keep on reading to find out.

Product benefits

Firstly, I’d like to tell you how happy I was to find out that this device supports 1080p full HD video recording. Isn’t that something you’d want to have at your side as a vlogger? Of course, you do! So now, record stunning videos from the comfort of your own home or anywhere you want without getting weighed down.

Yes, this beauty is highly portable as well. Its large 3-inch screen has decent resolution and lets you view at a wide-angle. How is the picture quality? I’d say it’s pretty good, because here as well Canon has paired up their DIGIC 4+ Image Processor with a capable 20.2 MP CMOS sensor. Connectivity has also gone up a notch thanks to the free Wi-Fi transfer system.

Every box of Canon PowerShot SX610 HS contains additional accessories like wrist strap, battery pack, battery charger, AC cable, and user manual kit. And yeah, there’s a neat little dedicated movie button as well for all you budding movie makers out there. A feature like this only shows how much Canon cares.

Pros

Excellent value for money, backed by Canon’s trust

Excellent for lowlight photography

Cons

Some users have complained about battery dying out sooner than expected

5. YI 4K Action Camera

I must admit, I never expected a brand that I never even heard of before to leave such a positive impression on me. That is why the YI 4K Action Camera deserves to be on my list of the best vlogging cameras under 200 dollars. This isn’t your regular old Chinese spin-off of a famous brand; this is premium grade stuff that’ll leave you wanting more.

Product benefits

720p video- check! 1080p video- check! 4K video- Check! Seriously, where else will you find a camera that shoots videos in 4K quality apart from this one? This model comes with a 12-megapixel camera having a 155° wide lens and F2.8 aperture. The specs are good enough to give you stunning quality videos in high resolution.

The 2.9 inch LCD touchscreen is made for easy viewing. No need to be worried about the quality because the company has used Gorilla Glass Retina to prevent scratches and damage from the regular impact. As far as battery life is concerned, the 1400mAh 4.4 V lithium and battery gives you enough juice to record up to 120 minutes.

I, however, did not find the battery to be up to the mark. Most of the time, I found the camera drained out in about 100 minutes. But that’s okay because I don’t need to record non-stop for so long anyway. Other notable features include Wi-Fi module, built-in Bluetooth, and wireless remote control via Wi-Fi connectivity.

Pros

Incredible features packed into a highly affordable package

Performs almost as good as advertised

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity makes transferring files a breeze

Record 4K videos in 30 FPS and 720p videos in up to 240 FPS

Cons

The overall feel of the model leaves something to be desired

Best Camera for Under 200 Dollars Buying Tips

While the models I have suggested are right for their price, I just want to let you know that they aren’t perfect. But then again, what is? I rounded up the top five best vlogging cameras under 200 dollars keeping in mind the factors and will discuss in the next section. Even if you decide to buy a camera that is not among the five reviewed, still keep the factors in mind.

1. Lowlight recording capacity

One of the most significant issues of low-budget cameras is that they fail miserably in lowlight situations. I had to test run a lot of models to pick out the five mentioned here. And holy shit! I found a lot of cameras that are not worth their price at all. If you’re going to go ahead and buy a vlogging camera, I suggest you make sure it has decent lowlight recording capacity.

2. Sound recording quality

Another common issue that is prevailing in many budget cameras is low-quality sound recording. Since most cameras under the $ 200 price range don’t have an external microphone port, the quality can become really distorted if there is some external noise influence. What’s the fix? Record in-doors invest in a good microphone, you know…buy a better camera!

3. Durability

As a rule of thumb, it’s natural to expect the quality of the product going down with sinking prices. However, I dare say that the best vlogging cameras under 200 dollars that I’ve suggested in this guide are durable enough to be worthy of more than price. It’s not easy to find a product that has everything in this price range, but compromising durability is never a good idea.

4. Autofocus

Again, this isn’t a feature you’ll find on all cameras under 200 dollars. I believe autofocus is particularly helpful for vloggers because most of the time you’ll be filming yourself. Those searching for the best camera for under 200 dollars, just check the products mentioned in this guide. 4/5 of them have autofocus.

So, which one will you buy?

If you know anything about cameras in general, you’re probably aware that they go out in style –FAST! While the products as suggested here might not be the latest iterations, they have certainly taken the test of time and proved their mettle. Just click on the best youtube camera under 200 dollars and add the product to cart.

And if you think you have 100 more dollars to spare, read my review of the best vlogging cameras under $ 300 HERE! No matter what you choose, I promise you that you’ll be getting your money’s worth if you purchase one of my choice in the best vlogging cameras under 200 dollars.